Hi furiends. One of our favorite holidays, Halloween, is just around the corner! Here’s a few tips we learned over the last few years to help keep your pup comfortable and safe during trick-or-treating.
1. Get Ready for Trick-or-TreatersSome dogs can get anxious with frequent doorbell rings or excited kids. To avoid stress, create a safe space for your pup to retreat if they get overwhelmed. We like to play calming music for Kipper and give him a frozen treat to keep him busy.
2. Secure Your Home’s EntranceWith frequent trick-or-treaters, your front door may be opening and closing a lot. Keep your pup secured behind a gate or on a leash to prevent accidental escapes, and consider creating a quiet space away from the commotion where your pup can relax. If you’re not giving out candy, we recommend turning off your outside lights.
3. Avoid Toxic TreatsHalloween candy is a big no-no for dogs, especially chocolate and sugar-free candies containing xylitol. Make sure your candy is always in a secure space, away from your pup. We like to make DIY halloween-themed dog treats so Kipper doesn’t feel left out.
If you're walking your dog during trick-or-treating.
4. Ease Your Dog Into Decorations
Like many dogs, Kipper was very scared of large Halloween decorations and loud noises. We suggest gradually introducing your dog to these decorations to help them get used to it. Since the beginning of the month, we've been walking by decorated houses, and rewarding him with treats and praise to make him feel more comfortable. Always look out for any signs of stress.
5. Use Reflective Gear for Nighttime Walks
If you're planning to take your dog trick-or-treating, keeping them visible and safe is important. We suggest using reflective strips, light-up leashes, clip-on lights, a flashlight, or a light-up collar, which is what we use for Kipper. These simple additions not only make your pup more noticeable but also offer extra peace of mind, especially on a busy Halloween night.
6. Dress Your Pup with a Kippys Bandana
Whether your dog is in costume or not, a Kippy's bandana is the perfect accessory for any outing. Our collection of Halloween and Autumn bandanas are perfect to make sure your pup stands out. Be sure to place your order before or by Thursday, October 24, to guarantee it arrives in time for the Halloween festivities!